Some idiot in Russia has invented a solid, powdered from of ethanol.

Absinthe Obsession
While traipsing through Europe during my undergraduate days, I had an extended stay in Prague because of a rail worker strike, leaving me plenty of time indulge my Absinthe fixation. Back in those days (not so long ago, actually) absinthe was illegal in the United States due to (erroneous) concerns over the hallucinogenic effects of wormwood. The cheesy tourist bars I frequented put on quite a show for the naive young tourists, complete with flaming sugar cubes. As it happens, traditionally absinthe soaked sugar cubes are not set on …

I’ve been watching “Kiss them for Me,” a war movie about Navy Pilots in World War II. Cary Grant orders the drink all over San Francisco on his shore leave…the Stinger. I just had to know what is in a Stinger?

The base:
Shake about 2 parts Cognac/Brandy with 1 part white creme de menthe and ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Variations:

You can slightly vary the ratio of cognac to creme de menthe, I’ve seen different ratios all over the internet.
You can substitute rum for cognac or brandy.
You can serve the …

The mint julep is a classic summer cocktail that has become synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, perhaps because of its bourbon base. Recently my sister commented that one of her male friends likes to drink mint juleps on the porch during the summer, and added “Isn’t that a girly drink?” I responded with a resounding NO! The mint julep is classic, and one should never be afraid to order one or mix up a batch on a sweltery summer night.

The base:Make up a small batch of minted simple syrup by …

The old-fashioned is a classic cocktail that every bourbon and whiskey lover should know how to make. It is one of my personal favorites, and requires little skill to prepare. There is a great deal of room to personalize the cocktail to suit your tastes. I like mine with extra cherries.
The base:Muddle a maraschino cherry with an orange slice in the bottom of a glass with a teaspoon of sugar and 2 dashes of bitters. Pour 2-3 oz of Bourbon (I favor Markers Mark).
Variations:

You may serve it neat or on …

Cognac is an excellent spirit to keep stocked in your liquor cabinet, it is a high quality brandy from a specific region in France. Cognac can be sipped straight up, as an excellent after dinner drink, however this is a little too strong for some palates. So, while you might sip your cognac, your friends could prefer a delicious sidecar.
The Base:Shake 1.5 oz. of Cognac with .5 oz of Cointreau and .5 oz of lemon juice. Strain into a cocktail glass with a cherry nestled at the bottom.
Variations:

I like to …

Spice things up a bit the next time you have left over champagne and try out a classic champagne cocktail. Champagne makes a great base for mixed drinks, simply adding fruit purees can produce an entirely new drink! The classic champagne cocktail, however, is a cocktail of sophistication and glamor…just watch Casablanca.

The base:
One sugar cube in the bottom of glass and cognac is poured into the glass (about an ounce, the amount can vary with your preference). The glass is topped off with champagne.
Variations:

The sugar cube is somewhat optional, but …